Brian Burke

Roland Fryer, a Harvard economics professor with a penchant for sports, Brian Burke, a sports data scientist at ESPN, and Jeffery Whitney, president of a prominent sports agency, dive into the dwindling salaries of NFL running backs. They discuss the shift from running-focused strategies to the passing game, revealing how analytics now shape player value. Additionally, they explore contract dynamics altered by collective bargaining agreements, shedding light on the physical toll it takes on running backs while questioning the future of their position in the league.

Jeffery Whitney, longtime NFL agent who navigated contract markets. Brian Burke, sports data scientist who pioneered expected-points analysis. Roland Fryer, Harvard economist applying data to player valuation. They unpack rule and CBA changes, analytics favoring passing, career shortness and perishability, agency shifts away from backs, and whether a running back renaissance is possible.

Brian Burke, an Analytics Specialist at ESPN and former Navy pilot, connects the worlds of aviation and football through an analysis of quarterback decision-making. He discusses his innovative model, DeepQB, which leverages player tracking data to evaluate performance. Burke shares insights on the evolution of football analytics, the intricate challenges of quantifying decisions under pressure, and how machine learning can transform coaching strategies. His unique journey from jet pilot to sports analyst showcases the power of data-driven decision-making in football.